Breastfeeding is one of the magical moments that a woman experiences when she becomes a mother. In addition to being a gift of life for the baby, it is a unique union that exists between mother and child. But breastfeeding is not an easy road And there may even be certain inconveniences such as mastitis.
Mastitis it is produced by inflammation of the mammary gland. It usually appears during the first 3 months of breastfeeding, although in some cases it can occur later and usually affects only one breast.
It is not a dangerous disease for the baby, but it is very painful and annoying for the mother. The symptoms are very similar to those of the flu, in addition to the tightening and redness of the chest.
Home remedies for postpartum mastitis
Mastitis can be treated naturally, but in some cases it can become so severe that you need antibiotic treatment. Below we recommend a list of Home Remedies to Relieve Mastitis Symptoms postpartum, but be sure to discuss it with your doctor so that he can assess your case.
Empty the chest
Postpartum mastitis occurs, for a buildup of milk in the ducts. Therefore, the main thing is that you put your baby to breastfeed every so often, this is the best way to completely empty the breast.
Breastfeeding when it is inflamed can be very painful. To alleviate this discomfort a bit, you can massage the chest first. Do it from the outside in, as if you wanted to guide the milk through the ducts to the nipple.
Before putting your baby to the breast, first stimulate the milk to come out manually. So when your baby starts to suckle, the area will be less swollen and it won't bother you as much. What's more, make sure your chest is completely empty. If your baby can't, you can express the milk manually or with a breast pump.
Cold and hot contrasts
Soak a towel or gauze with hot water and apply to the area affected for about 10 to 15 minutes. After this time, apply cold compresses for another 5 minutes.
The contrasts of cold and heat help improve circulation. Will help you decrease duct obstructionIn this way, the milk can flow more fluidly, greatly reducing discomfort and pain.
Natural aloe vera gel
The leaves of the aloe vera plant contain a fresh, jelly-like gel inside. This gel contains natural antibacterial and analgesic properties when applied directly to the skin.
You only need an aloe vera plant, cut a part of one of its leaves. With the help of a knife, cut in half and extract the gel that it contains inside. Apply directly to the reddened area. Leave on until completely dry, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water before the baby suckles again.
Repeat several times a day, the healing properties of aloe vera will help you relieve pain from inflammation. In addition to acting as a barrier against bacteria that attack the infected area.
Cabbage leaves to decongest
Although it sounds like a joke, cabbage leaves contain excellent anti-inflammatory properties. By applying them to the area, you will be able to alleviate the redness. In addition, due to its decongestant power, it reduce clogging of ducts.
You just have to put several cabbage leaves in the fridge. When they are ready, apply directly to the area until they lose temperature. Change for another sheet that is cold. Repeat this process several times a day, until you have improvement.
With these home remedies you can alleviate the symptoms of postpartum masititis, but it is important that you inform your doctor immediately and comment on the symptoms you suffer.
A poorly treated mastitis can lead to more serious problems, even with the need for surgery to treat them. So you should not put up with the discomfort and pain thinking that it is something normal, because of breastfeeding.
One of the most important things to know if you are going to breastfeed is that la Breastfeeding it doesn't have to be painfulIt is not uncomfortable nor should it be an ordeal. If so, it is because something is not being done right.
Don't hesitate to ask for help and adviceYou will surely be able to establish a satisfactory breastfeeding very soon, both for you and your baby.